Saugandhikam Dance Academy presents
The Arangetram ofShivanshi “Sia” Thakur
A solo Bharatanatyam debut
A journey of devotion, discipline & joy
Arrival time 4PM Eastern
About Sia
Shivanshi — lovingly known as Sia — is a devoted student of the classical Indian dance form Bharatanatyam.
For years, Sia has dedicated herself to the grammar of this ancient art: the precise footwork (adavus), the eloquent hand gestures (mudras), the storytelling of the eyes and face (abhinaya), and the rhythmic soul of the music. What began as a childhood curiosity has blossomed into a lifelong passion.
Her Arangetram marks the culmination of this rigorous training — the moment a student steps onto the stage, alone, to offer everything she has learned. It is at once a graduation, a prayer, and a celebration.
“To dance is to pray with the whole body.”
What is an Arangetram?
Ascending the Stage
The word Arangetram comes from Tamil — arangu (stage) and etram (ascending). It is a dancer’s first full solo performance before an audience.
Years of Devotion
It represents many years of disciplined training under a Guru — a rite of passage where the student demonstrates mastery of technique, rhythm and expression.
A Solo Journey
Across a full-length recital, the dancer performs alone, moving through a traditional repertoire that builds from pure rhythm to deep emotional storytelling.
Programme & Repertoire
Sia’s Arangetram unfolds through the following pieces, from the opening offering to the rhythmic finale.
- Natyamanjari (Pushpanjali) — An opening flower offering of reverence, invoking blessings and setting the stage for the recital.
- Jatiswaram — Pure dance set to musical notes, weaving precise footwork and graceful movement into intricate rhythmic patterns.
- Shabdam — A lyrical piece that introduces storytelling through expressive gestures, facial expression and movement.
- Varnam — The centrepiece of the recital, combining demanding rhythmic sequences with expressive storytelling and emotion.
- Nagendra Haraya — A devotional offering to Lord Shiva, inspired by the Shiva Panchakshara Stotram and its praise of his divine form.
- Mahishasura Mardini — A tribute to Goddess Durga and her triumph over Mahishasura, celebrating courage, divine strength and the victory of good over evil.
- Kurathi — A lively folk dance bringing playful storytelling, spirited gestures and rhythmic movement to the stage.
- Own composition: surprise — An original creation by Sia, kept as a surprise to be revealed on stage.
- Thillana — A vibrant finale of brisk footwork, sculptural poses and joyful rhythm.
The Guru
Dr. Sanjukta Banerjee
Guru · Founder & Artistic Director, Saugandhikam Dance Academy
Dr. Sanjukta Banerjee is an Indo-Canadian classical dancer, choreographer and educator whose practice spans Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam and Kathakali. She holds a PhD in Dance from York University and trained at Kolkata Kalamandalam under Kalamandalam P. Govindan Kutty and Dr. Thankamani Kutty.
Many know her as Goddess Durga in Doordarshan’s Mahalaya presentation of Mahishasura Mardini. Alongside her television work, she has brought Indian classical dance to international audiences through performances, workshops and lecture-demonstrations.
As founder and artistic director of Saugandhikam Dance Academy, she nurtures dancers across the Greater Toronto Area. Sia’s Arangetram is a celebration of this guru–shishya bond, with heartfelt gratitude for her Guru’s guidance, care and dedication.
Event Details
Date
Saturday
April 24, 2027
Performance
4:30–7:30 PM
Includes a 30-minute intermission
Venue
Lester B. Pearson Memorial Theatre
150 Central Park Drive
Brampton, ON L6T 1B4
Musicians
Meet the musicians
Vocal · Mridangam · Flute
Emcee
Meet the emcee
Indrani Ghosh
Dinner
8:00 PM onwards
Please join us after the recital
Vegetarian
Special Guest
To Be Announced
Add to your calendar
Saves arrival at 4PM through the recital’s end at 7:30PM Eastern. Meet & greet 7:30–8PM; dinner from 8PM.
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Lester B. Pearson Memorial Theatre, Brampton
Located in the Brampton Civic Centre. Please arrive at 4:00 PM Eastern; the performance begins at 4:30 PM.
The Evening
- 4:00–4:30 PMGuest arrival, welcome & refreshments
- 4:30–7:30 PMArangetram performance, including the intermission
- During the recital30-minute intermission · Exact time to be announced
- 7:30–8:00 PMMeet & greet
- 8:00 PM onwardsDinner
All times are local to Toronto.
Gallery & Recordings
Sia in Dance
A few moments from Sia’s dance journey.
With her Guru
Moments of recognition with Dr. Sanjukta Banerjee.
Rehearsal Moments
Coming soon · Glimpses of the preparations will be shared here.
After the event
Event photos and recordings will be shared here after April 24, 2027.
Event Photographs
Coming after April 24, 2027 · Memories from the celebration.
Performance Recording
Coming after the event · Recording details will be announced here.
RSVP
We look forward to celebrating with you and sharing dinner after the recital.
RSVP details coming soon
Registration is not open yet. Please check back here for the RSVP link.
Choose Yes or No on Evite. If attending, please check your adult and child counts, including yourself. Your RSVP is saved only when Evite confirms it.
Blessings for Sia
A wish, a memory, a few words from the heart. Whether you can join us or are cheering from afar, your blessings are part of Sia’s journey.
I’m here with my blessings
A circle of love & blessings
Messages shared with permission and lovingly reviewed by the family.
The first blessings will appear here after family review.
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Follow Sia’s journey
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